Town of Altavista Incentives

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Town of Altavista Business Incentives

Incentives are available for businesses locating or expanding in the Town of Altavista and are calculated on number of jobs created and/or increases to the Town's tax base. These incentives are evaluated by the Altavista Economic Development Authority during their regular meetings.

For Federal Contractors: The Altavista HUBZone

Grants through Altavista On Track

Altavista On Track is a nationally accredited 501(c)3 nonprofit and an affiliate of the Main Street America and Virginia Main Street programs. Since their inception in 2007, Altavista On Track has already secured more than $3.1 million in funding for the Downtown district. These funds are used to bring targeted benefits into the local downtown economy by providing access to the extensive resource networks of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Main Street America. Altavista On Track remains focused on strengthening support for local small businesses and creating a vibrant downtown that attracts visitors and residents alike.

Façade GrantFront of newly renovated Main Street business with windows, rock facade and new sign

Eligible Projects may include:

  1. Cleaning of brick stone fronts (chemical stripping, water wash, scraping)
  2. Repair or replacement of façade materials
  3. The removal of false fronts (such as wood or metal panels)
  4. Exterior painting (when part of a larger rehab effort)
  5. Purchase and install of new and approved awnings
  6. Repair or replacement of windows, doors, and trim
  7. Authentic reconstruction and replacement of original exterior architectural details.

(Photo: facade improvements Miller's Jewelry made in 2022 through the Facade Grant.) 

Ineligible Projects may include:

  1. Sandblasting of exterior bricks, which causes them to deteriorate
  2. Removal of historical features
  3. Roof repairs that aren’t visible from the street.

Grant Award

  • Amount based on the availability of funds
  • Reimbursements of up to $5,000 or 50% of exterior rehabilitation costs (whichever is less) after the project is completed and terms of the grant fund award are met.
  • 50/50 match grant

Downtown Business Investment Grant

Open to existing businesses located within Altavista’s Main Street District (bordered by Bedford Ave., 7th Street, Main Street, and Charlotte Ave.). Buildings must be located in the designated AOT downtown district.

This program will provide existing businesses with financial assistance, up to $5,000 per business for the following items:

  • Reimbursement for “Storefront activation” (e.g., advertising signage, awning, painting, cleaning);
  • Reimbursement for Marketing/E-Commerce (website design/redesign, social media, branding, etc.);
  • Reimbursement for Training “designed to educate and empower small business owners.”

New Sign reads Carolyn H. Furrow Attorney at Law with phone number. Sign is on a brick building

(Photo: New signage installed through the DBIG Grant in 2023 DBIG funding also supported rent and utilities for this new Altavista business.) 

The goal of this Downtown Business Investment Grant (DBIG) program is to give existing businesses a boost to help contribute to the success of those businesses who are investing in the community and catalyze our local commercial district’s revitalization efforts. This grant is made possible by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Housing & Community Development, which delineates what DBIG funds can be used for.

More Information regarding this grant is available from Altavista on Track.